Random thoughts on the new MacBooks, the iBook replacements Apple announced this morning:

• I wonder what the impact of these new “glossy” screens is; they’re probably better than matte screens in some cases, but worse in others.
• The base model is $100 more expensive in the U.S. than the previous base-model iBook but, thanks to the rising Canadian dollar, is actually $100 cheaper here.
• Everyone notices that the black model is more expensive than a comparably equipped white model — by US$150/C$140. Given the popularity of the black iPods, it’s understandable that Apple has decided to market black as a premium (more exclusive) option.
• Like the Mac Mini (previous entry), the MacBooks come with Intel Integrated Graphics rather than a dedicated video chipset and RAM. I wouldn’t run Aperture on these things, nor would I use them as primary machines. As part of a laptop/desktop combination, they’re fine.
• Because of the memory requirements of the integrated graphics chipset, the RAM must be paired for better bandwidth; they come standard with 2×256 MB.
• The graphics notwithstanding, the MacBooks have lots of features that the iBooks never did: gigabit Ethernet, monitor spanning, closed-lid operation, digital audio in/out — the iBooks never even had a microphone port.
• Apple isn’t arbitrarily crippling features on its low-end machines any more. Nor are the processors significantly slower. The video chipset is now the main differentiator between these computers and the MacBook Pro models (which also add an ExpressCard slot and a backlit keyboard).

Later:

• Neat keyboards: they’re recessed so that the keys are flush with the rest of the computer. Will have to see one close-up in the polycarbonate.
• The hard drive is apparently user-replaceable.
• You can’t upgrade the low-end, 1.83-GHz model to include a DVD burner.